need some info about electric shavers

[theNEOone]

i'm going to purchase one, but need to know some information about them. there seems to be two basic designs - one w/ the "3 circles" shaving mechanism, and the other w/ a "bar" shaving mechanism.....which of the two is more effective? what about the shavers that secrete lotion, or those w/ self-cleaning ability? are these features worth paying extra for, or are they just gimmicks? also, what's the average life of the 'blades' on electric shavers if i shave every other day?

finally, any recommendations about which shaver to purcahse?



=|

 

[LordJezo]

About this lotion and things..

I wouldnt get one because there is no g uaranteethat in a few years you will be able to find the stuff if the product fails. As for self cleaning.. it really dosent take much effort to rinse it off yourself.

Life: I use mine every other day.. blades last at least 6 months.

Foil versus circular heads: no real way to tell which one will work better for you. The only thing to do is try. I own one of each. Norelco 3 head and a Remmington 3 foil TCT razor. Some of my friends hate the foil, others swear by them. Some people can't get either kind to work.

 

[MustISO]

I have the Braun shaver that has the cleaning machine. It's great! I only shave every two - three days. I hate shaving everyday. I don't clean it every time but when I do it comes out like brand new. In between I just use the brush to sweep it out.

 

[dullard]

Consumer Reports did a mini article on it a few months back. They said things are just the same in electric razors that they have been for years - they are all the same. On average people got the same results with either style; regardless of manufacturer. Sure you may have a personal preference of one over the other, but the shave is the same.

I change my blades every 18 - 24 months since I'm a cheapskate and since I cannot tell the difference between dull blades and sharp blades (it is recommended to do it once a year I think).

 

[dpm]

I've got a phillips 3 circular head one. Works damn well, and i just rinse it to clean it.
I've used an old bar head one in the past - it was ok, not as good as my new one, but it wasn't exactly new, and the current ones may be better. Never tried the lotion ones - after a week or so, my skin got used to it, so its not a problem.

Can't tell you how long the blades last - i've only had it three months.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I have a Braun and I love it. I've also used a Norelco (one with that fancy "lift and cut" system). The Braun is worlds better. The Norelco just does not give me a close shave, no matter how I adjust the dial, it's decent and I look fine, but my face is not as smooth as it is when I shave with the Braun. I use the Norelco as my backup, I keep it at home in case I forget to bring the Braun along with me when I visit.

ZV

EDIT: Blades typically last up to a year with regular cleaning.

 

[Corn]

I used to have the Braun syncro shaver that cleaned itself and it worked great. I used it every day and the foil lasted about 6 months and the blade needed replacement every year. I got a really good and close shave with that razor.

My only complaint with the Braun is that slightly less than 3 years went by and it quit taking a charge.

I tried the Norelco Spectra 8 on sale at Costco ( ~ $130--a great deal considering that it came with an extra set of blade heads) and I got a pretty close shave from that razor. Unfortunately, my skin didn't agree with the way it pulled and cut the hair and I had to return it after giving it the 21 days to "get used to the razor" as recommended by the manual. I do have very sensitive skin, so I don't blame the razor.

2 weeks ago I bought THIS Panasonic Linear shaver at Target for ~ $130. By far the best razor I've ever used. I use it in the shower with shaving cream (don't use shaving gel, its just too thick and goo's up a mess) and it can't be beat for closeness and it's completely non irritating to my skin.

 

[theNEOone]

great info guys, keep em coming!

corn - i think you hit my concerns right on the mark. i was debating between the braun sycro and the norelco spectra......now i have the panasonic linear to worry about...ahhh! your experience is pretty compelling, but i would like something that works well out of the shower and without shaving cream. do you have any other comments to add?


=|

 

[RossMAN]

Anyone use Remington?

I'm getting the impression that Braun is cheaper and does a better job than the more popular Norelco.

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Anyone use Remington?

I'm getting the impression that Braun is cheaper and does a better job than the more popular Norelco.

Nice Brauns are extremely expensive. I use a Norelco that was orig. $60 or so at Target (got it on clearance for less than $20) and it does the job for me.

 

[Corn]

but i would like something that works well out of the shower and without shaving cream. do you have any other comments to add?

I haven't tried it dry yet. I'll give it a whirl tonite and let you know.

 

[Riverhound777]

I have had a Braun for over 2 years now and have never changed the foil or blades. And I have to shave daily. I'll never buy anything else. Haven't used the lotion stuff, wouldn't want to buy more. I didn't like remington or the 3 circle types.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: theNEOone
great info guys, keep em coming!

corn - i think you hit my concerns right on the mark. i was debating between the braun sycro and the norelco spectra......now i have the panasonic linear to worry about...ahhh! your experience is pretty compelling, but i would like something that works well out of the shower and without shaving cream. do you have any other comments to add?


=|

I dry shave with my Braun daily. It's great.

ZV

 

[Liviathan]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=38&threadid=1199692

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Liviathan
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=38&threadid=1199692

Good thread, thanks.